The objective of the Volunteer Development Programme is to build capacity within our clubs to help recruit, develop and retain volunteers across the three sports. In Year 1, the Sport Uniting Communities team delivered 5 training days in Belfast, Banbridge, Cookstown, Derry and Enniskillen focusing on the following subjects;

Defining roles & responsibilities within Clubs

Volunteer recruitment & retention (focus on marginalised groups)

Succession planning for volunteers

Becoming an inclusive club

Volunteer Leadership/mentoring

The workshops were very interactive and encouraged clubs to develop partnerships across the sports. Group discussions allowed for each topic to be examined from a club perspective giving the opportunity for shared learning. Participants got an insight into how small alterations to the everyday running of their club could lead to large gains on and off the field of play. The main learning from the group was that sharing club roles and responsibilities would help prevent “burn out”, and allows for better structures to be put in place which creates more sustainable clubs. Participants had the opportunity to create new roles using the job specification and description handouts.

The clubs exchanged contact information and are keen to hold shared events across the community. The emphasis on networking and the opportunity for shared learning was well received. The clubs will receive a Game of three Halves equipment pack and visit Croke Park, Windsor Park and the Kingspan stadium. The overall feedback from the workshops was extremely positive. Participants reported that “Working with others sports you normally have a bit of fear that you may lose players, this was in fact the opposite as I picked up fresh ideas and contacts” there was also a number of comments in relation to the amount of young people participating in the programme “The amount of young people engaging is a good sign for sports clubs”.

Recruitment for year 2 will begin in January. The programme will start with an initial training day for volunteers. Each club will commit two volunteers to attend the training day, with one being aged 16 – 24 years old. The places are offered on a first come first serve basis. Secure your place by contacting the officer from your sport in your area. For staff details click here.

Our Partners

Ulster GAA / CLG Uladh

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About Ulster GAA

The Ulster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, and handball in the province of Ulster. The headquarters of the Ulster GAA is based in Armagh City.